The Hidden Mess Behind Every Success

The Hidden Mess Behind Every Success

Someone recently asked me about my podcast setup. When I sent them a picture, they were blown away. The camera angle was clean. The lighting was pro-level. The backdrop looked dialed in.

But here’s the truth I shared with them: while it looks flawless from the front, it’s an absolute mess behind the scenes. Cords everywhere. Equipment scattered. Nothing tidy or streamlined. And it got me thinking—

That’s exactly how life works.

We all have a polished, front-facing version of ourselves. The one the world sees. The one we post online. The one we wear in meetings. But behind every “highlight reel” is a chaotic backstage—and that’s okay.

The Illusion of Perfection

You’ve probably looked at someone’s success and thought, “They must have it all together.” But if you pulled back the curtain, you’d see the frayed wires behind the shine:

  • The speaker crushing it on stage… who doubts themselves off it.

  • The influencer with the picture-perfect relationship… who’s sleeping on the couch at home.

  • The entrepreneur making bank… who’s overwhelmed and burned out.

Don’t get tricked into comparing your messy middle to someone else’s carefully curated front.

You Don’t Need to Look Perfect to Be Powerful

The story I shared in No One Prays for the Lion still sticks with me. At Jimmy’s Italian Food Store, the owner once told his son, “Don’t stock the shelves too perfect—people won’t trust it.” Why? Because when something looks untouched, it feels untested. Mess shows life. Mess shows demand.

It’s the same in your business, your career, and your relationships.

Stop trying to look flawless. Perfection repels. Authenticity attracts.

Show the Cords. Build the Trust.

Psychologists call it the Pratfall Effect: when competent people admit flaws, they’re seen as more trustworthy, not less. That means when you’re honest about your fatigue, your frustrations, or the stuff behind the scenes—it builds credibility.

People don’t need you to be Superman or Superwoman. They need to know they’re not alone in their chaos. When they see that you have a mess and you keep going, that’s what inspires them.

Action Steps

  • Audit your life’s “studio.” What cords are you hiding? What could you share that might actually help someone else feel seen?

  • Ditch the comparison game. Everyone has a mess. You just might be more honest about yours.

  • Be proud of your process. The bigger your dream, the messier the journey. That’s not a failure—that’s a sign you’re actually building something.

Back to blog